Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara 🇺🇸

Located in Santa Barbara, California, Shoreline Park is a long, narrow ocean-side strip of land set atop a coastal bluff on the Mesa, facing the Pacific Ocean. Once farmland in the early twentieth century, this popular public space was designed by local landscape architect Richard B. Taylor and formally dedicated in 1968.

When you visit, you will find a serene retreat filled with scenic ocean vistas and engaging features. Take a stroll to see the sister city Japanese garden, enjoy the playground, or relax in the picnic area. You can head to the dedicated whale watching area, which features a telescope right next to a statue of a large concrete whale tail.

On clear days, you can take in unobstructed views of the Channel Islands, spot passing dolphins and seals, or even observe Gray Whales during their migration months. At the top of the bluff, a striking Torii gateway leads to a wooden staircase that descends fifty-three feet down to the tidal beach below. Remember that this beach area is completely submerged during high tide, so plan to explore when the water recedes to access neighboring coastlines.

What to see at Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara

• Whale watching area with a telescope and concrete whale tail statue
• Sister city Japanese garden, playground, and picnic area
• Sweeping views of the Channel Islands, dolphins, seals, and migrating Gray Whales
• Torii gateway and wooden staircase down to the tidal beach
• Low-tide beach access to Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach

Visiting tips

Plan your trip down the wooden staircase for low tide, as the beach below is completely submerged during high tide.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Low tide on a clear day

How to get there & what’s nearby

Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara is easy to reach on Santa Barbara’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Arlington Theatre and Lobero Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santa Barbara travel guide.